According to Bloomberg workers at Toyota’s (TM) $1.3 billion pickup-truck plant in San Antonio are busy picking up trash, clearing brush and scrubbing graffiti as the assembly line sits idle.

Japan’s largest automaker is keeping its US employees busy doing chores after suspending operations due to the financial turmoil. Last week it reported its steepest sales drop since 1987.

In July, the company said it would halt pickup production in facilities in the US from late August through mid-November. Today, shares hit a new 52-week low and year-to-date the stock has declined 36%.

For more, check out Professor Jeff Macke’s column, Toyota A Good Long-Term Short.

From the Bull Pen: Although Japanese carmakers are facing a number of challenges, risks to the upside in the near term may be greater. Bulls looking for a quick trade can consider Honda (HMC) with a sell stop near $22.

From the Bear Cave: For the time being, the downside trade for Toyota may be over. Bears can look to reload if the stock can muster a significant rally, especially near the $75-77 range.

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